Monday, March 1, 2010

1960s Troll Cave House

Besides the fantastic trolls, manufacturers during the 1960s craze made several wonderful troll abodes, little houses that often doubled as carrying cases. These homes were usually made of printed vinyl over cardboard or, less frequently, a particularly crispy and unfortunately fragile variety of plastic.

This posting showcases the most commonly found of the troll houses, often referred to as "the Troll Cave". While common, it is nonetheless spectacular: the outside looks like an intriguing, inviting cave mouth, while the inside depicts an uncommonly cozy cavern, complete with a carved stone hot tub, a roaring fire, and comfy chairs. The Dam trolls below look very happy living here, and I find myself wishing I could shrink down to their size so I could hang out in the cave, too...



 

23 comments:

  1. tracy,do you know how much the troll house is worth?

    ReplyDelete
  2. The cave house seems to be selling for between $30 and $50 right now, depending on condition (whether or not the handle is intact, if there's cracking of the plastic interior, etc.) and whether it's inhabited or not.

    The Troll Stik Shack sells in the $100 range, and is much less frequently seen.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Is this cave for sale? My mom is pushing 60 and said that she used to have a cave that she played with and was on the search for one. Would love to surprise her with it for Christmas if the price is right.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think I have a second cave...I will check at home and see. If I still have it, then absolutely we can do a deal. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Funny when you get to be 50 how you look back at certain things you loved in your childhood with such longing. I collected trolls and when I got a troll cave for Christmas one year, I was the happiest child ever.

    ReplyDelete
  6. HI Mary,

    I completely understand! Hope you find your troll house again soon!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi there! Is this, by chance, for sale? Or would you know of anyway that I could go about finding one that is? Mom's birthday is a'coming up and she would L.O.V.E this!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi! Sorry, this one isn't for sale, but there are a few right now on ebay: just search for "vintage troll house" and you'll see them. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I used to have this! It was my favourite toy! So nice to see it's still around. You obviously didn't have little brothers.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello Tracy!
    That troll house is awesome! I am doing a scavenger hunt right now where I have to take pictures of some very old items! A troll house is on the list! Do you think you could send me a picture of yours with a sign for me? I can give you more information when you respond :) It would GREATLY be appreciated.
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry: I didn't see your comment until now...several months later! Hope you were able to get what you needed elsewhere...

      Delete
  11. I had the same Troll Cave house in the 60's. I absolutely loved that thing ! I told my mom that I wanted to keep it forever; however, she slyly got rid of it and gave it to my cousins...I was heartbroken. I still wish that I had it. I still have some of my Barbie's and my Baby First Step.

    ReplyDelete
  12. A friend just forwarded this to me. My daughter collects trolls and would love one of these. Where do you sell them or where are they sold online?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, there are usually a few for sale on Ebay: just search for "troll house".

      Delete
  13. Found my old troll house recently. The handle/chimney is missing and it is cracked at the bend where you fold the lid in. Would it be worth anything?

    ReplyDelete
  14. do you know if there was a troll space house? I remember playing with something like that when I was younger.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! You are probably remembering the Mini Martians Star House, which was made by Swedlin/Gund around the same time and in the same materials and style as the Troll House. It was made to go with specially designed (and incredibly cool) Martian dolls, but yes, it would have worked for trolls too. I did a big post about it awhile back. If you go to the search bar on the front page of my blog and type in "mini martians" it'll take you there.

      Delete
  15. I have a few ``Lucky Shnooks`` from the 1960's in the original packaging, are they woth anything ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, check completed listings on ebay for current prices.

      Delete
  16. I am interested in buying one or two troll caves/houses. Do you have any available? This was the favorite toy of my youth. A former post-doc friend in Iraq would like one as well. Thank you or your help. Chris

    ReplyDelete
  17. My troll cave house. I would love to have one again

    ReplyDelete
  18. I would love to see if one is for sale

    ReplyDelete